Under Ghana’s 2012 Road Traffic Regulations (LI 2180), the use of motorcycles and tricycles for commercial passenger services is explicitly prohibited. Yet in Kumasi, tricycles — popularly known as pragya — have become an integral part of the city’s public transport network.

Despite their outlawed status, pragya have transformed urban mobility, offering an affordable and convenient alternative for commuters, particularly in densely populated and hard-to-reach areas. The booming business has also emerged as a vital source of employment for many young people, especially amid rising joblessness.

Former President John Dramani Mahama, in his first State of the Nation Address, hinted at potential amendments to legalize commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations. Although legalization is yet to materialize, tricycle operators have begun organizing and advocating for structured regulation.

During a recent three-day working visit to Kumasi, the leadership of the Tricycle Operators Association engaged with hundreds of riders to reinforce the importance of road safety, lawful operations, and ethical conduct.

The outreach comes in response to increasing public concerns about widespread rider misconduct, traffic indiscipline, and the growing number of underaged operators.

National Chairman of the Association, Hamza Hafiz, stressed the need for proactive self-regulation.

“This initiative will help streamline our operations, making it easier for the government to regulate the sector. It will also allow us to identify and remove those whose misconduct tarnishes the industry’s reputation,” he said.

One of the key issues addressed during the engagement was the alarming prevalence of underage riders.

Seidu Mubarak, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Association, revealed that some operators are as young as 15, far below the legal minimum age of 21 required for commercial drivers in Ghana.

“We are committed to enforcing this standard, even in the tricycle business,” he asserted.

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has thrown its support behind the initiative. Samuel Gyimah, NRSA’s Assistant Planning Manager, urged riders to adopt safer practices and comply with traffic rules.

“If you use the road, do so responsibly. Many riders disregard basic safety rules — driving on shoulders, weaving through traffic, and ignoring lane discipline. We urge immediate compliance, even before stricter enforcement begins,” he stated.

The Association’s campaign marks a significant step toward instilling discipline among tricycle operators and setting the groundwork for potential formalization and future regulation of the sector.